Anybody know how to tell the age of a Brooks saddle?

[Grannygrinder]

I've found an old Brooks saddle.
Is there any way of telling how old it is?
It has Brooks Competition on both sides but no Brooks metal badge on the back.
The rails sound hollow but i'm not 100%.

 

[biggs682]

i was always told they use to have the last 2 digits of the year stamped on the frame , not sure how true that is in pratice .

 

[Grannygrinder]

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I can't see anything on any of the metal work

 

[nammonk]

From late 1958 onwards, there should be a date stamped on the cantle plate (centrally, between the saddlebag loops) of the form XNN, where X is a letter denoting the quarter, and NN is the year (e.g. A79 for 1st quarter of 1979). It can be a bit indistinct under the rust, so have a look under a good strong light.

Is the style of the "Brooks Competition" embossed in the leather indicative of 1970s?

Nick

 

[Midlife]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/50498141@N ... otostream/

like the above....(bottom right of image) have to say it doesn't look familiar as a 70's brooks.

Looks older to me but there again their designs haven't changed much since dinosaurs roamed the earth

Shaun

 

[Grannygrinder]

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Mine does look very similar to that one.
If it is stamped they have done it very gently
I'll have a gentle rub with a small wire brush and see what i can unearth

 

[Russell]

Cut the rails in half and count the rings.

 

[nammonk]

^

Maybe carbon dating? Any contacts in an archaeology department?

Nick

 

[Grannygrinder]

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[Grannygrinder]

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After a bit of initial rust removal i have found 'Made in England' on the frame at the back of the saddle.
If i'm looking at the sadle upside down would i expect to find a date to the left or the right?